Symptoms Diary - Ideas? : Hi all, I'm looking for ideas... - NRAS

NRAS

36,431 members45,077 posts

Symptoms Diary - Ideas?

FatJoints profile image
17 Replies

Hi all, I'm looking for ideas of a symptoms Diary layout. Does anyone have a layout that works for them? I'm probably looking for an excuse for new stationary more than anything hehe

Written by
FatJoints profile image
FatJoints
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
17 Replies
helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

You could use an app, like the NRAS rheumabuddy app here

nras.org.uk/rheumabuddy-an-...

And buy nice stationary for something else!

I tried it, but don’t have the patience.

FatJoints profile image
FatJoints in reply to helixhelix

Haha! Very practical suggestion thanks 😀

Mmrr profile image
Mmrr

Hi FatJoints, love the name btw !

I keep a daily record of my health and have done for 3 years, it is important for me that it is easy and quick to use and clear to see. It takes about a minute to complete each day.

I use A4 paper, landscape, a page for a week.

8 columns, headed:

Date, Meds, sleep, activity, systemic, joints, comments, grade.

(I grade myself each day. A, being very good through to D, at home unable to move/do much ).

I also count the grades each month (ie 2 As, 4 Bs, 18 Cs and 6Ds for example) and write a few sentences comment on how I've been that month. I can then easily relate the grades to the effectiveness of the meds each month, (or anything else).

The record was one of the items that got the rheumatologist to listen, when I was being brushed off, she could not ignore what I was saying.

I also submitted it for my PIP assessment and evidence to support my medical retirement request.

There are electronic apps that do a similar job 'rheumabuddy' being one, but I find paper and pencil easier, as I can view week by week and month by month. The apps don't give the same overview and can be fiddly for fat fingers to fill in. They are also more difficult to use as evidence for PIP etc.

It works for me, wouldn't be without it now......until I get a drug induced remission 🤪

I hope this gives you some ideas for your own journal, good luck !

FatJoints profile image
FatJoints in reply to Mmrr

I love the details in this, thank you! Great suggestion and that's brilliant including comments on sleep.

Lol, when I first joined my joints were seriously blown up, seemed a appropriate name thanks. I'm a few years on from diagnosis, I had a brief remission but now things are dodgy again and I'm starting to forget details of things over that time. Will be handy to keep a record.

charisma profile image
charisma in reply to Mmrr

That’s very like what has been in my mind, Mmrr!

But I’d have to use a spreadsheet, fingers can barely hold a pen web with those fin things on, and writing is often no good.

However, I keep an RA diary of important things, in my phone notes, too.

FatJoints profile image
FatJoints

That's a good idea doing am and pm and I like 'positives' thanks!

oldtimer profile image
oldtimer

I found keeping a daily record made me feel more depressed! I prefer the strategy of only noting (in my diary) when there is a major change in symptoms/signs or medication.

I tend personally more towards ignoring it as much as possible and getting on with doing other things when I can.

Mmrr profile image
Mmrr in reply to oldtimer

If I hadn't kept a record, i believe antidepressants would still be the panacea on offer to me.

And it made the PIP application so easy, and medical retirement too, no issues all straight forward evidence.

I could not imagine being without it now.

I'll stop when my RD is under control , otherwise I need to know when and under what circumstances things happen. I just can't remember otherwise !

FatJoints profile image
FatJoints

Oh no, good point. That's a good way of thinking on it, to record the main things thanks!

helixhelix profile image
helixhelix in reply to FatJoints

I’m like old timer, only note big things. But I do keep spreadsheets/graphs of blood tests results for ESR/CRP, cholesterol and vit D.

Mmrr profile image
Mmrr in reply to FatJoints

I believe the details are important! Small things can mean a lot with this old RD !

FatJoints profile image
FatJoints in reply to Mmrr

Same, I feel its a balance trying not to be paranoid about every little symptom but at the same time monitoring in a way that helps you keep tabs.

Mmrr profile image
Mmrr in reply to FatJoints

Exactly

You could download this

nras.org.uk/publications/my...

and print out the pages you need.

FatJoints profile image
FatJoints in reply to

Thanks!

in reply to

Just checked this link quite handy and some good ideas thanks for sharing

Love a new notebook 📒🤪

You may also like...

Rock bottom: any ideas?

Hi I'm new here. So, first of all, apologies for a long and depressing post! A little about me: I'm...

Ankle supports a good idea?

but I've never worn it. Does anyone here wear one (or two) and if so do they work in same way as...

Ideas to keep active?

wondering if anyone had any online exercising sites they would recommend, I know i'm not alone in...

Symptoms

to pee more too. I'm very tired. I had a blood test on Friday and they rung today to say I have b12...

Childcare help ideas?

husband, my sister and her child. I'm really struggling with the pain and I'm terrified how much...